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Waniban Island, Mati City’s Pride

The farther, the better?

I’m beginning to think that the best destinations in the Philippines are located in the farthest areas. Batanes is at the northernmost of the country, Northern Samar at the East, Palawan at the West, Gumasa, Saranggani at the South and Mati City, Davao Oriental tucked at the south easternmost of Mindanao. The list of beautiful places goes on but I want to share to you an island not known to many.

Oohhhhh.. Ohhhh.. WOW Philippines!

WELCOME to the Picturesque Waniban Island

The Picturesque Island of Waniban

So much for Boracay and Camiguin. Waniban Island (some call it Huaniban) is found in the Pujada Bay, Mati City, Davao Oriental. An island so small (only 4 hectares) surrounded turquoise sea, you can explore in less than 30minutes just by walking.

Where the boats dock

For beach lovers, anything you have in mind?

The island is so soooo stunning, its white sand are like the powder that highschool girls put on their faces. At the north western part of the island is an area great for snorkeling. Do not be fooled by the crashing waves because the water is calm below, just perfect for some free diving.

Powdery powdery white sand

I just saw some trash like emptied alcohol bottles left by some tourist which is so bad.

When doing an island hopping tour, Waniban is a perfect spot for barbeque or beach bumming.

Tuna Panga and Belly for our lunch.. yum yum yum

After lunch, sit on a hammock and just wait for the time to pass by

Or you can just walk by the smooth rocks and sand

How to get there?

I was able to visit the island because I was tagged by Kurtis who will be offering some tours to Mati City from Davao. I was with Mati City’s Mayor’s brother and Poi Trocio during the island hopping tour. This happened during Day 12 of my Mindanao Challenge 400.

Also included in our island hopping tour is this sandbar called "Puting Bonbon"

(Extra: Puting Bonbon is said to be a sanctuary of sharks and turtles. I’m the only one from the group who happen to reach the sandbar, I swam about 200meters from our boat and the waves and current below are crazy strong.)

From Mati City downtown you can rent a motorcycle (habal-habal) going to Taganilao (Php50/head or Php100-150/pakyaw). When you arrive at Taganilao, look for Bong Linsag (0912-5862-218). Mang Bong is the caretaker of the Waniban island.

Mang Bong Linsag and his friend

He will arrange for an out-rigger boat transfer from Taganilao – Waniban (Php300/2-3pax; Php500/4-8pax).

There is no store in the island so if you are going to camp, do bring your own food. You can also buy some fish from Mang Bong, cooking fee is Php50. I suggest you call him in advance, should you plan to visit the island. Tell him I told you about him.

One of the caretakers with some daing

Cottage Rental: Php500
You can also camp, pitch a tent at Php100/tent.

Waniban Island Photo Guide (Double click to enlarge)

Bonus: If you like to know more of some unknown but stunning islands, you can check out Capul Island (Northern Samar) and Yato Island (Guimaras).

24 thoughts on “Waniban Island, Mati City’s Pride”

gael, i’m sure you will enjoy and feel good sa south. you will fall in love with Mindanao. go na!
thanks so much gael! effort nga un..haha
i think i would be doing that more often. i got the idea from dong ho sa calaguas post nya and bosing ferdz sa batanes post nya.

oo nga renz! haha edited na, thanks for the correction, so excited to post kasi!
and i agree with you, LOTSA LOTSA!
thanks for the link. interesting talaga, i first saw the photo from a brochure i got from butuan on the last day of my mindanao challenge. grabe, di ako makapaniwala. inggit ako dahil napuntahan mo na.